Girl hurt in Ferris wheel fall at NJ boardwalk

A young girl has been critically injured in a fall from a Ferris wheel on the Wildwood boardwalk in New Jersey.

Wildwood Police Capt. Robert Regalbuto told The Press of Atlantic City the ride was in motion at the time, and the girl fell from its upper half. She was taken by helicopter to a hospital. Regalbuto said she was in critical condition.

The incident happened at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Morey's Mariner's Landing Pier. Morey's said in a statement the cause was being investigated but did not appear to be mechanical. Meanwhile, the Ferris wheel and a few rides were closed.

The girl's name was not immediately available. Police said she is middle-school age.

"The Morey staff and family offer our thoughts and prayers to the family," the statement said.